Named Scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be the funds to do so.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 Named Scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. And across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2013 was $35,200.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider establishing a scholarship at The University of Akron. Scholarships can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study. To learn more, please contact Christine Curry in the Department of Development at 330-972-8614 or ccurry@uakron.edu.

Please note: All scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Students interested in applying for a scholarship may visit the Financial Aid webpage, call 330-972-7032, or e-mail finaid@uakron.edu. The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships.

Search for a Named Scholarship

Jennings, Judith Ann Merit Scholarship

The Judith Ann Jennings Merit Scholarship was established in her memory by her husband, William C. Jennings '62, and their children, W. Bryan Jennings, Martha A. Jennings, and Suzanne Jennings Harrison. Funds were contributed after Mrs. Jennings' death by friends and family members. This annual scholarship will support academically talented, civic-minded College of Education majors attending The University of Akron.

Mrs. Jennings graduated with high honors from The University of Akron's College of Education. She devoted her life initially to teaching high school, and then to raising her family, supporting her husband's career, and volunteering in the community.

As a volunteer, Mrs. Jennings held leadership roles in many organizations, including the New Canaan Beautification League, the New Canaan Sewing Group, Parent-Faculty Association of New Canaan High School, Junior League of Stanford/Norwalk, West School PTC, and the Newcomer's Club. Additionally, she was an accomplished golfer, serving as chair of the Golf Committee at The Country Club of New Canaan.

The scholarship will be awarded to a graduate or undergraduate who is in good standing and is completing degree requirements at The University of Akron's College of Education. Candidates will need to demonstrate financial need. The applicant must have and maintain at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA. Selection also will be based on the following criteria:

Character

Scholarship

Service to the University and the community

Scholarship applicants will be reviewed by a committee composed of members of the Jennings' family for as long as members of the family hold an interest in being part of the selection process. Final approval of recipients will be reviewed and approved by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The funds from the scholarship will be credited against the University's invoices to students for tuition and mandatory fees only.

​

Note for students interested in applying for a scholarship: The Department of Development at The University of Akron does not accept applications for, or distribute, scholarships.